Low temperature biomass dryers using fluidized bed processing enables processors to upgrade waste products and make them suitable for re-use. Less energy intensive than many other technologies, fluid bed biomass dryers or coolers deliver improved sustainability and minimize environmental impact of the process and material.
Industries that produce biomass frequently have to deal with a product in which particle sizes differ greatly from each other and moisture content is high. The Ventilex Fluid Bed guarantees a high evaporation rate at low temperatures and low energy consumption. In this system, product temperature never exceeds 135ºF and the drying air temperature never exceeds 250ºF. With low temperatures, the biomass will not release volatile oils into the air stream as evaporation occurs. This decreases the amount of ils sticking to the equipment, as well as the subsequent buildup of airborne solids that stick to the oils. This approach lets our biomass dryers avoid the never ending cycle of the thick buildup of fines in the system that can lead to safety hazards such as fire or explosion. Another benefit is the prevention of visible smoke and the resultant VOC release. This will represent a great benefit in working with Local, State & Federal Air Quality officials during the permitting process.
With Ventilex’ low temperature approach, “syrup” levels can be varied over a great range without the fear of burning or lumps occurring, making “syrup balls” a thing of the past. By making use of product recirculation and mixing, you can also process slurry-like products. In addition to drying, the biomass dryer can include an integrated “cooler” in the same machine. However, since the product is never heated past 135ºF, you may not need cooling at all! Some industries utilizing using low temperature biomass drying take advantage of the ability to pneumatic convey the product. With the product never agglomerating, and the relatively low temperature of the product exiting the dryer, pneumatic conveying will reduce the product temperature to under 110-115ºF in a short distance. This approach offers several benefits, including:
- No visible smoke
- Low VOC’s, most times well below levels requiring a TO or RTO
- No fires or explosions
- DDGS has higher “fat” content = More $/ton
- Safer for operators
- More efficient, cost less to dry
In addition to the corrosion resistance engineered into all Ventilex biomass dryers through our exclusive use of stainless steel in the fluidized bed chamber, our biomass drying systems can be designed to suppress odors by integrating closed system air recirculation, biobed and/or thermal exhaust gas combustion into the process.
At the center of the Ventilex system is the “Plug Flow” shaking product transport system. This “Plug Flow” system gently lifts the product, by cam motion, and deposits it forward a few fractions of an inch at a time. Product retention time can be kept to a minimum or can be as high as two hours, and little product degradation will occur. This “Plug Flow” process also allows for the processing of fragile materials that may degrade under high abrasion conditions seen in most vibratory equipment. Our unique drive allows the biomass dryer fluid bed to be as large as the product or process requires.
